Have you ever dip-dyed anything? (craft)

[FenellaBestwick]

I'm trying to dip-dye tassels so the tassel stays white with blue ends. Although they look great hung up to dry, the dye continues to 'wick' upwards and the whole thing turns blue by the following morning. Has anyone had success dying just one part of something?

Only dip the tassel into the tiniest amount of dye, so that there is not enough dye to wick all the way upwards?

You could also tie the tassel halfway up, but I think that would make a line rather than a slight ombré effect.